Program Assistant - Senior Adult Program

The Arc Gateway Inc; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc Gateway Inc in Pensacola, FL seeks compassionate direct care staff to support seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities in daily activities and community engagement. The role emphasizes safety, dignity, and person-centered planning, following an implemented schedule and plans.

Responsibilities include assisting with personal care, mobility, meals, medication oversight, documentation, and collaboration with teammates and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Must pass Level 2 fingerprint background check and local checks.
• Must pass a drug screen.
• Must be 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Assist with toileting, mobility, and personal care needs as required.
• Facilitate age-appropriate activities and education on rights, safety, and health.
• Provide guidance on positive social interactions and personal hygiene.
• Complete required documentation and incident reports.
• Oversee medication administration per policy.
• Support meal services and food preparation during group meals.
• Maintain cleanliness of spaces and supplies.
• Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork with staff and volunteers.

Skills

Punctual attendance

Follow policies

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Since 1954, The Arc Gateway has been dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a trusted non-profit organization serving the greater Pensacola area, we offer life-enhancing programs that empower those we support to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Our mission is rooted in celebrating abilities, fostering independence, and creating meaningful opportunities for every individual we serve.

SUMMARY:

Provides direct care and supervision for seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting their engagement in meaningful daily activities within their community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Assist with toileting, mobility, and personal care needs, including cleanup when necessary.
• Facilitate age-appropriate activities such as recreation, crafts, cooking, and education on rights, safety, and health in alignment with each individual’s Implementation Plan and daily schedule.
• Provide guidance to seniors on positive social interactions, appropriate behavior, and personal hygiene.
• Respond promptly to participant needs and report any unusual incidents or observations to the Program Manager.
• Complete required documentation, including attendance records, daily service logs, and incident reports.
• Oversee medication administration in accordance with established policies.
• Support meal services by assisting with ordering, preparation, and serving of food during group meals.
• Assist participants with lunches, including storage, heating, serving, and cleanup; ensure food is prepared safely (e.g., bite-sized if needed).
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of activity spaces, kitchen, and restrooms throughout the day.
• Promote cost-effective use of supplies and proper storage of program resources.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and cooperation with colleagues, volunteers, and partner organizations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acts as a role model for the volunteers in the Senior Adult Program.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to pass Level 2 fingerprint background check, (https://info.flclearinghouse.com), Dept. of Children and Families abuse registry check, and local law enforcement check, Affidavit of Good Moral Character.
• Must pass a drug screen
• Must be 21 years of age, have valid driver's license, a good driving record and proof of vehicle insurance and registration with a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report.
• Maintain punctual attendance and report to work on time for all scheduled shifts.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and/or older adults preferred.
• Skills or experience in recreational activities (such as arts and crafts, games, music, or cooking) strongly preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information to clients, caregivers and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to follow directions in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to make independent decisions based on agency policy, seek clarification as needed, and notify supervisor of anything out of the ordinary that involves the clients.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must be able to achieve a CPR and Supported Employment Coach Certification within 60 days of employment.
• Successful completion of Core Competencies, Zero Tolerance, HIV, and HIPAA certifications will be required. (This training is provided by the agency).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee is regularly required to talk, hear and see. Physical activities include bending, standing, reaching, sitting, using hands, pushing an individual in wheelchair. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and be able to walk the equivalent of 2 blocks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Beginning Salary: $15.00 per hour

Status: Non-Exempt

PT Working Hours: 24 hours a week - Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – 7am – 3pm and as needed on Monday’s and Thursday’s for vacations and call outs.